Page 29 - UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and
the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

Agency name:

International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO)

Description of activities:

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is devoted to promoting social justice and
internationally recognized human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that
social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace. The International Training Centre has
been at the forefront of learning and training since 1964. As part of the International Labour
Organization, it is dedicated to achieving decent work while exploring the frontiers of the
future of work.

Project 1: Towards Reaching Zero Tolerance of Sexual Harassment in Garment Factories:
A Pilot Intervention Towards Behavioural Learning Using Blended Virtual Reality and Face-
to-Face Training

Under the broader promotion of Convention No. 190, aimed at eliminating sexual harassment,
as part of the Decent Work in Garment Supply Chains Asia initiative, a pilot project was
implemented to leverage on the advantages of virtual reality (VR) technology to address sexual
harassment in the garment sector, particularly targeting factory managers and HR professionals
in Jakarta.

The VR module, designed in collaboration with the ILO Bangkok Office and the VR service
provider BodySwaps, utilized a unique approach for behavioural change by creating an
immersive simulation of workplace scenarios where participants could observe, interact, and
practice safe interventions when faced with instances of sexual harassment at work. The design,
developed through localized focus groups, allows participants to practice a direct intervention
towards a perpetrator in a safe space, where they can repeat activities and receive feedback.
Additionally, participants can see and evaluate their own interactions through the “body-
swapping” activity, which offers a unique perspective on their interventions and the ability to
refine their approach through self-assessment.

The methodology combined the VR module with traditional training methods for a
comprehensive learning approach. Participants used VR headsets to gain multiple perspectives
on sexual harassment, learning the language, fostering empathy and enhancing their response
strategies. This was complemented by face-to-face sessions that contextualized the VR
experiences within the broader framework of organizational policies and legal considerations.

Following the pilot training sessions, an impact assessment was conducted to gauge the
effectiveness of the intervention. The findings indicated increased awareness, reduced barriers
discussing the topic, and proactive behaviours among participants, leading to safer workplace
environments. This VR training module continues to be an active part of the training regimen
in the region's factories, contributing ongoing improvements in handling sexual harassment.

Related SDG:

• SDG4 Quality Education
• SDG5 Gender Equality
• SDG8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG10 Reduced Inequalities
• SDG16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

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